Subscribe!
Bi-Partisan Problem Solvers Caucus Condemns Political Violence, Reckless Rhetoric – RI not members
Photo, top: Last week, Members of the Problem Solvers Caucus gathered on the House steps to condemn political violence and call for both parties to lower the temperature of their rhetoric.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Tom Suozzi (NY-03) led 36 Members of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus in releasing an open letter calling for an end to political violence and the reckless rhetoric that fuels it. The letter stresses that Americans must be able to express their beliefs without fear and urges leaders and citizens alike to set a higher standard for political discourse.
“Democrats and Republicans from the Problem Solvers Caucus have come together united in our opposition to political violence,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-03). “We must all learn to disagree better.”
“In our country, we don’t have to think the same to stand on the same side. From our founding, America has been held together not by agreement, but by the belief that every voice matters, and that our differences, when debated with respect, make us stronger,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). “Violence and intimidation have no place in our country. Not now. Not ever. What this moment demands from us all is that we speak with respect, listen with compassion, and remember that unity doesn’t require uniformity —only a shared commitment to the ideals that make us Americans.”
Thanks to our partners at Braver Angels, The Dignity Index, National Institute of Civil Discourse, BridgeUSA, and additional organizations for their support in this effort.
As public officials who have committed ourselves to sharing our opinions and beliefs to act together for the betterment of our nation, we believe that no one in America should fear for their safety for sharing their beliefs. Everyone has the right to freedom of speech and the right to exercise that freedom – even and especially when we disagree with what they are saying. We also know that words matter. In moments of disagreement and conflict, we should model robust debate and dialogue without contempt and dehumanizing language. Contemptuous speech increases people’s fear of each other and causes social disconnection, which can lead to violence and has no place in our deliberations as those elected to serve all citizens of our country.
Recognizing that communities around the nation and world have also suffered terribly from the effects of violence, America is our home. Neighbors may disagree on matters of the heart and mind, but especially in times like this, we need to turn toward each other.
We stand together to say that:
In America, we cannot use violence against people with whom we politically disagree.
Not Charlie Kirk.
Not Minnesota Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark.
Not Minnesota Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.
Not Paul Pelosi.
Not Representative Steve Scalise.
Not Representative Gabby Giffords.
Not Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.
Not President Donald Trump.
We are Americans before we are Democrats or Republicans.
We must see the inherent dignity in our fellow Americans, especially when we disagree with them. You and I might not resolve our differences, but we can work together to better understand each other.
|
|
|
|
About the Problem Solvers Caucus: The Problem Solvers Caucus is a group of Members of Congress — split between Republicans and Democrats — committed to advancing common-sense solutions to key issues facing our nation. Our Members sit down together every week to debate, exchange ideas, and find common ground.
New England Members
Only 2 New England members are currently on the Caucus:
-
Jared Golden (D–ME-02)
-
Chris Pappas (D–NH-01)
Two other New England members were once members:
-
Elizabeth Esty (D–CT-05) — former member; left the House in 2018.
-
Peter Welch (D–VT-AL) — former member; elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022.
No Rhode Island Congressman is or has ever been a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus.
___
How to Join the Problem Solvers Caucus
Membership in the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus isn’t automatic—House members must be invited or apply through caucus leadership. The group maintains strict balance, so for every Democrat who joins, a Republican must also come aboard. New members pledge to follow “rules of the road,” committing to regular bipartisan meetings and to advancing workable, cross-party solutions.
For more information about the Problem Solvers Caucus, go HERE
___
After the Charlie Kirk Resolution in Congress was overwhelmingly passed, we learned that Rep. Amo had voted “Nay” and Rep. Magaziner voted “Yay” – their statements as to why is below:
https://2×8.ea2.myftpupload.com/rep-gabe-amo-votes-nay-on-charlie-kirk-resolution-he-spouted-demeaning-dehumanizing-ideas/
Maybe our representatives cannot find a republican to join with them. Also you say Gabe Amo misrepresented what Mr. kirk said, where is your evidence sited?
They have a process to admit new members – the member doesn’t have to recruit from the opposite party. But it has to be equal – right now it’s 30-30. What did the article say that was “misrepresented”?
The article misrepresents nothing. Gabe Amo, on the other hand…
I can cite several sources, but you are a better person to research for yourself. This is not the only report of Gabe Amo’s remarks. But all of his quotes about Kirk diminish and twist what Charlie Kirk championed. Kirk was blunt and unrelenting in hard truths rooted in his Christian faith; that can be uncomfortable. But in video after video of his Kirk’s full comments in context (not clipped edits of convenience), he consistently debated with a strong confidence in facts and faith, and his unwavering underlying compassion and curiosity to understand where his oft-hostile debater was feeling and grappling with. Further, if you (or Amo) have never said something you later regret, I congratulate your divinity. However, most of what is especially controversial attributed to Kirk is out of context. In my book, that misrepresents the man. An elected official such as Amo should be even more careful he does not say things that are easily refuted. Democrats have too often received a “pass” on sharing lies and misinformation, preferring instead to toss that particular grenade to the other political side (sometimes rightly). Thanks for the opportunity to elaborate, Barry.
We requested a statement from Rep. Amo and reprinted it – and Rep. Magaziner’s in total, just as it was sent to us.
So sad. So unsurprising.
Rhode Island’s elected federal officials (I cannot call them leaders, any of them) do not see fit to be part of something unifying and productive for the country. Instead of being Problem Solvers, they are merely Problem Prolongers. Congressman Gabe Amo – the man who does not represent a single thought, value, or principle that matters to this state or to me as a resident of the 1st District – is the worst of the four at this moment. His misinformed statements about Kirk could easily have been verified as false had he taken a moment to research – or have an intern research and school him. Instead, he preferred to parrot the tired Democrat narrative. A Problem Prolonger. Merely one more reason among many examples why he needs to be replaced.
Kudos to the Problem Solvers. The caucus is a great idea.